Unfortunately, my tone comes out harder that I intended, and she stiffens. I mutter a curse under my breath, luckily low enough for her not to hear.

  She relaxes again after several tense seconds.

  “No,” she replies. “He’s been very nice to me.”

  My hands uncurl from the fists I didn’t realize they’d made, and the pounding in my ears slows. I should know better than to think Theo would do something to hurt Jules. Not only is she his wife, and they were obviously in love at one time, but he’s also the most laid-back of him, Ella, and me. He’s tough only when he needs to be, and even then, he avoids altercations and confrontations at all costs.

  This situation with Jules is seriously fucking with my head.

  She yawns, and it reminds me of how late it is.

  “I’m going to go.” Instead of moving back toward the door, my feet move forward, inching closer to her. “You should rest.”

  She tucks part of the cover beneath her cheek and her amber eyes focus more intently on me.

  “Will you be back tomorrow night?”

  I want to so fucking bad. “No,” I answer instead.

  Her lips purse. “Why not?”

  “Because I don’t belong here.”

  Another frown. “Why not?” she repeats.

  This time, I do take a step back, and a pointed pain stabs me square in the chest.

  “There are things you don’t know. If you did, you wouldn’t want me here.”

  “I don’t understand.” Confusion pulls down her brows. “What things?”

  Another step back. Another step away from her.

  “I can’t tell you. It’s not my place.” And I’m fucking terrified of her knowing.

  I take two more steps back before her voice stops me.

  “Wait!”

  I stop. Her tongue darts out to lick her lips, and it further proves just how much of a fucked-up bastard I am when I feel my dick twitch in my jeans.

  “It was nice to meet you, Luca.”

  Hearing my name come from her lips again doesn’t help my fucking situation. Theo should beat my ass, then do it all over again. And again. And again. Especially since Jules and I have already met, and there’s no way she’d be saying it was nice to meet me if she had any inkling of what I’d done.

  “It was nice meeting you too,” I mutter.

  Before she can say anything else, or I do something stupid, I turn and leave the room.

  As I make my way out of the hospital, the truth hits me. Jules is a part of Theo’s life, meaning she’ll be a part of mine.

  Which also means I really need to get my shit under control before I go fucking insane.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Jules

  MY HANDS TWIST nervously in my lap as I sit on the hospital bed with my legs crossed Indian style. My back is ramrod straight, aching from being so stiff, and the inside of my bottom lip is raw from biting on it so much. I’m so freaking nervous as I wait for Theo to come back into the room.

  Today is the day I get to go home. Or rather, Theo’s home. I had no choice but to go home with him, since my parents still haven’t called me back. That knowledge still burns deeply, but it also makes me angry. Who in the hell just ignores their daughter who’s been in a coma for seven years? How could they be so heartless? So cruel?

  I push thoughts of my parents away. I have enough to worry about right now without adding that to the mix. Like wondering what Theo expects of me. We’re married, but I don’t remember him. I don’t know how to be a wife. My last memories are of me graduating high school only months before. I was just entering adulthood. I worked part-time jobs during high school because I wanted that experience and the chance to earn money on my own. I know the basics of cooking, but we ate out most nights. We had a housekeeper come in a couple of times a week who kept the house spotless and tidy. I mean, I know how to clean, but I don’t know how to run a household.

  It’s not really the domestic side of marriage I’m worried about though. That I can learn as I go. It’s the physical part. More specifically, the sexual aspect. Does Theo expect me to sleep with him? Have sex with him? He’s been nothing but a gentleman the last few weeks, but I’ve seen the way his eyes roam over me when he thinks I’m asleep or not looking. The desire in their depths scares me. The last I remember, I was a virgin. We were married, and Theo doesn’t seem like the type to wait for marriage to have sex. I know we must have slept together, which means I must have trusted him. I hope he doesn’t expect that of me yet.

  It would be so much easier if I could just remember him, but even with that thought, I’m still unsure if I want those memories back. Something niggles in the back of my mind, warning me to be cautious.

  Footsteps have me looking up from my lap to see Theo walking into the room with a nurse pushing a wheelchair following him.

  “You ready to blow this popsicle stand?” Theo asks with a smile, coming to stand beside the bed.

  Although I’m more than ready to leave the hospital, I’m not ready to go with Theo. However, not having any other choice, I nod.

  My anxiety lessens at his charming, boyish smile, but it’s still there, eating away at my nerves. I ignore his offered hand to help me from the bed, pretending I don’t see it, and get off on the opposite side from where he’s standing. I slip my feet into the dark gray flat shoes he brought me, grab a small bag that has a few things in it, and walk around to the nurse. She explains my at-home care instructions, passes me a paper that has my next physical therapy appointment, and cautions me that even though I’m well enough to go home, to still take it easy for a while.

  The strength in my legs is better, and I can walk on my own with minimal trouble, but per hospital policy, I’m required to be escorted out via a wheelchair. I feel like an invalid as we navigate down the hallway.

  When we walk out of the doors, there’s a dark blue car pulled to the curb. Theo walks ahead of us and pulls open the passenger side door, then holds his arm out toward it.

  “Your chariot awaits, my lady.”

  I laugh at his goofy behavior, and more tension eases away. He must sense my turmoil and is trying to abate my stress, something I’m grateful for.

  When he reaches his hand out to help me from the chair, I make a split-second decision and place my hand in his. As soon as our hands touch, I regret it. Sparks travel up my arm, eliciting goose bumps, and a weird feeling settles in my stomach. The heated look in Theo’s eyes tells me he felt something too. Something I’m not ready to acknowledge yet.

  I ignore the desire to pull my hand away and let him lead me to the car. Theo’s my husband, so I need to get used to his touch, even simple touches like holding hands.

  “You take care of yourself, Miss Rozero,” the nurse calls once I’m seated safely inside the car.

  I smile. “Thank you for everything, Mary.”

  She turns, and she and the wheelchair disappear back inside. Theo closes the car door and while he puts my bag in the back seat and he walks to his side, I buckle my seat belt.

  Seeing my tight grip on the shoulder strap of the seat belt, Theo reaches over and puts his hand on top of one of mine. I know he’s only trying to calm my nerves, but it does just the opposite.

  “Are you okay?”

  I jerk at the sound of his voice, then feel like an idiot for doing so. I take in a deep breath, release it, place a smile on my face I don’t feel, and look at him.

  “I’ll be fine.”

  His eyes look over my face for a moment before a small smile plays on his lips. His hand pulls mine away from the seat belt and brings it to his mouth. My heart stutters in my chest at feeling his lips and warm breath against my skin.

  “Yes, you’re going to be just fine,” he murmurs against the back of my hand.

  Luckily, he releases my hand after that, and we pull away from the hospital. It’s quiet for the first several minutes, then a thought occurs to me. Something that’s been on my mind for days.

  “Why does everyone call me Miss Rozero when we’re married? I thought I would carry your last name now.”

  We pull up to a red light, and out the corner of my eye, I see Theo shift in his seat, appearing uncomfortable. He replies a minute later.

  “Because we never got the chance to do an official name change. In the eyes of the law, you’re still Jules Rozero, even if our marriage certificate says otherwise.”

  “Oh. That makes sense.”

  Theo releases the brake and we pull through the light. “We can get it changed as soon as possible.”

  “Oh, there’s no rush,” I say quickly, then cringe. I don’t want to change my last name. Maybe I will in the future when I’m more used to the idea of being married. I don’t feel married right now, so the thought of changing my last name doesn’t seem right.

  Theo doesn’t say anything at my rushed reply, so I peek over at him. His outward appearance seems calm, but I see the tiny tic in his jaw and the way he’s gripping the steering wheel tightly. A shudder runs through me.

  I turn away from him and look out the window. The buildings we pass by are not like the buildings where I grew up. These are old and dilapidated, many looking like they’ll crumple to dust with a heavy wind. When we pull into a neighborhood, the houses don’t look much better. The dried and overgrown yards are swarming with trash and kids’ toys. We pass by a few houses that have people on the porch or in the yard. Sympathy hits me at the despondent and haggard faces. We pull up to a stop sign and fear replaces the sympathy when a man at the corner right outside my window leers at me. His toothless grin and the way he grabs his privates suggestively have revulsion cramping my stomach. I turn away from him and discreetly make sure my door is locked as I look out the windshield.

  I knew this side of town was rough, but I had no idea just how much. When I was growing up, my parents never came to the south side, saying it wasn’t a place for people like us to visit. Once I got my license, I came to this side of town a few times, just because I could. Obviously, my limited knowledge of the south side was more restricted than I thought. How can the city let this place become so run-down? I know the actions of people caused a lot of the destruction, but there has to be something the governor can do.

  Minutes later, we pull up to a house with white siding. Or what used to be white. Now it’s a dingy grey. This house isn’t as bad as the others in the neighborhood, but it still wouldn’t be considered nice compared to what I’m used to. There’s another car in the drive, and we park next to it.

  “Home sweet home,” Theo comments, turning the car off.

  I drag my gaze away from my new home and look at him. The uncertainty in his eyes tells me my own feelings must show on my face. Feeling like an ungrateful bitch when he’s been nothing but kind to me, I plaster on a smile.

  “It’s not much, but you’ll be comfortable here, Jules. I promise,” he rumbles in a deep voice.

  “I’m sure I will,” I offer, hoping to fool not only him, but myself as well

  “Come on. Let’s go inside.”

  We both get out of the car, and my nerves start getting the best of me again. After grabbing my bag out of the back, Theo walks around to my side, placing a hand at the small of my back to lead me forward. I try to walk faster to lose his hand, but my damn legs are shaking, making it difficult.

  “My parents are here,” he states as we walk up the three steps to the door. Instead of going in, he stops and faces me. “I told them to give you a few days before coming over, but Mom’s been itching to meet you for weeks. There was no holding her back anymore.”

  My lungs freeze, and my knees feel weak. I’m not ready to meet his parents. I’m not ready to move into Theo’s house. It sounds childish, but I just want to go home. To my parents’ house and surround myself with things that are familiar.

  But I can’t. This is my life now. I need to pull up my big girl panties and get used to it.

  I suck in a deep breath for encouragement and lie through my teeth. “I’m looking forward to meeting them.”

  He smiles, then grabs my hand. My teeth grind together at the contact. After opening the door, he pulls me inside with him. I don’t get a chance to look around before there’s a pretty, middle-aged woman stepping up to us.

  “Hello, dear Jules. It’s so great to finally meet you.” Her voice is soft and the smile that overcomes her face is infectious. I instantly feel at ease around her.

  I hold out my hand timidly. “It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs. Hendrix.”

  Instead of taking my hand, she steps forward and wraps her arms around me. The warmth of her embrace has my eyes stinging. What I wouldn’t give to have my own mom’s arms around me.

  Not wanting to embarrass myself or make anyone feel uncomfortable, I push away the tears. When she steps back, her hands cup my cheeks.

  “How are you feeling? Are you hungry? Would you like something to drink?”

  “Stop it, Helen. The girl just walked in the door. Give her a few minutes to collect herself.”

  A gruff older man walks up beside Theo’s mom and offers me a sympathetic smile. “Sorry, honey. She plays mother to everyone.” He holds out his hand. “I’m Wyatt.”

  I place my hand in his and it engulfs mine. I feel tiny compared to his tall and muscular frame. His hair is longer than socially acceptable, and the full beard gives him a rugged look. The tattoos peeking out of his shirt sleeves make him appear daunting. But his eyes, which are the same crystalline blue as Theo’s, look kind. The eyes aren’t the only thing Theo got from him though. Theo looks like a younger version of his dad.

  I stifle a laugh when Theo’s mom elbows him out of the way and takes her place back in front of me.

  “You hush,” she says pointedly to Wyatt. Reaching forward, she grabs my hand. “You and Theo come. Let me make you both some lunch. And please, call me Helen.”

  I nod and follow her. Not that I really have a choice with her hand still holding mine. My eyes drift to the side, trying to take in as much as I can. I only get a glimpse of an old couch, a couple of scuffed end tables, and a small flat-screen television before we’re entering the kitchen. The décor in this room isn’t much better with its outdated appliances, old cabinets, and old-fashioned linoleum flooring. It’s small, but still big enough to move around in. I try to picture myself in here cooking dinner, but I can’t. According to Theo, I had my own place when we met, so it’s not surprising I can’t see myself in here.

  Helen leads me to a small four-seater table in the corner of the room.

  “You three, take a seat, and I’ll whip us up some sandwiches. Jules, do you like ham?” she asks, but turns away before I can answer.

  “Yes, please,” I tell her back as she starts pulling things from the fridge.

  She lifts her head and looks at Theo. “You need to go grocery shopping, son. You’ve got hardly anything in here.”

  “I know, Mom,” he sighs. “I plan to go tomorrow.”

  “Good.” Her head goes back into the fridge. “Now, what about tomato and cheese, Jules?”

  “I’ll take them both, thank you.”

  “Sorry,” Theo says quietly, leaning toward me so his mom doesn’t hear.

  I pull my eyes away from the humming woman and look at him. “It’s okay,” I tell him truthfully. Her coddling should bother me, since I’ve only known her a few minutes, but it’s oddly comforting.

  “Where’s Aria?” Theo asks.

  It’s Wyatt who answers. “With Ella. They should be getting back any minute.”

  “Who’s Aria?”

  Theo’s expression turns guarded at my question and his eyes avoid mine. Helen looks to Wyatt, then to Theo, before looking at me. I, in turn, look at all three of them, waiting for someone to enlighten me. A sinking feeling forms in the pit of my stomach.

  Wyatt opens his mouth, but before he can talk, the front door slams and a small pitter-patter can be heard coming toward the kitchen. A moment later, I’m shocked to see a little girl with long dark brown hair come barreling into the room.

  “Dad!” she yells. “I’ve got you something!” She slides to a halt in front of Theo, then spots Wyatt, screeches, and jumps onto his lap. “I didn’t know you and Gamma were coming over today!”

  Wyatt laughs and grabs both of her pigtails to pull her face toward him. “You didn’t see the car parked in the driveway?” Before she can answer, he demands, “Gimme sugar.”

  Giggling, the little girl plants a smacking kiss on Wyatt’s lips. She then jumps down and runs over to Helen, who scoops her up and gives her the same treatment.

  “You’re just in time, munchkin. I’m making sandwiches.”

  “Yippee!” screeches the girl. “Can you put extra honey on mine?”

  Helen pecks the girl’s nose, before pulling back and smiling at her. “You betcha.”

  After she’s put down, the girl turns back to Theo. I’m left sitting there in shock, because I have no doubt in my mind who this little girl is. She looks exactly like her father, even having the same beautiful blue eyes. In the weeks Theo’s visited me in the hospital, he’s never mentioned he has a daughter. I have no idea how to feel about this new development.

  It’s not until then that the girl notices me sitting there. Her eyes widen when she looks at me.

  “Are you my new mom?” she asks, her voice sounding as though that’s a wondrous thing.

  I choke and then start coughing. My eyes water, and I bend over to try to catch my breath. Hands rub my back, and after a few seconds I manage to get a hold of myself. I gratefully take the glass of water Helen holds out to me, and I swallow several big gulps of the cold liquid.

  “I should have told you before we got here, but I didn’t know how,” Theo says, looking remorseful. The little girl is now sitting on his lap, looking at me worriedly.

  “Are you okay?” she asks, chewing on her fingernail.

  I try my best to put on a brave face, but I’m not sure if I pull it off. “I’m okay. It was just a little tickle in my throat.”

 

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